From the Guidelines
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is not a first-line treatment for Parkinson's disease, but it may be considered as a complementary therapy to manage certain symptoms, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2024 1.
Overview of TMS in Parkinson's Disease
TMS works by using magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions, potentially modulating neural circuits affected in Parkinson's disease. The goal of using TMS in Parkinson's disease is to improve motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
Efficacy of TMS
Studies have shown modest improvements in motor symptoms in some patients, but results are inconsistent. The benefits are often temporary, typically lasting a few weeks to months after treatment sessions. TMS is generally administered in multiple sessions over several weeks, with protocols varying between medical centers.
Comparison with Other Treatments
This therapy appears most beneficial when used alongside standard treatments like levodopa and other Parkinson's medications rather than as a standalone therapy. Side effects are usually mild and may include headache, scalp discomfort, or lightheadedness.
Patient Expectations
Patients should maintain realistic expectations about TMS, as it may help improve quality of life for some individuals but does not stop disease progression or replace conventional treatments. The most recent study in 2024 1 provides the strongest evidence for the use of TMS in Parkinson's disease, and its findings should be considered when making treatment decisions.
Key Considerations
- TMS is not a replacement for standard treatments
- TMS may be used as a complementary therapy to manage certain symptoms
- Patients should have realistic expectations about the benefits and limitations of TMS
- The most recent study in 2024 1 provides the strongest evidence for the use of TMS in Parkinson's disease.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Transcranial Magnetic Resonance (TMS) in Treating Parkinson's Disease
There are no research papers provided that directly discuss the effectiveness of Transcranial Magnetic Resonance (TMS) in treating Parkinson's disease.
Available Treatment Options for Parkinson's Disease
- The available treatment options for Parkinson's disease include pharmacotherapy, deep brain stimulation, and physiotherapy 2.
- Dopamine-based therapies, such as levodopa and dopamine agonists, are typically used to help initial motor symptoms 3, 4.
- Nonmotor symptoms require nondopaminergic approaches, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for psychiatric symptoms and cholinesterase inhibitors for cognition 4.
- Rehabilitative therapy and exercise complement pharmacologic treatments 4.
Limitations of Current Treatments
- No disease-modifying pharmacologic treatments are available for Parkinson's disease 2, 4.
- Current treatments are symptomatic, focused on improvement in motor and nonmotor signs and symptoms 4.
- Advanced treatments, such as deep brain stimulation and therapy with levodopa-carbidopa enteral suspension, can help individuals with medication-resistant tremor, worsening symptoms, and dyskinesias 2, 4.